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senatorlisabaker

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senatorlisabaker

Nov 24

From our home to yours, wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁

This season of Thanksgiving offers us a welcome opportunity to reflect upon the cornucopia of advantages of life in America, which we enjoy and share with others.

It is sometimes easy to overlook the many blessings we have in our lives and the many positive interactions we have with each other.

We are grateful for those who came before us and handed down the wonderful traditions of this holiday season and the freedom to fully experience them.

We are grateful for the family, friends, and neighbors who daily demonstrate the virtues of life in a caring community.

We are grateful for the professionals and volunteers who contribute talent and time to making our lives safer, healthier, and more productive.

We are grateful to all who strive to preserve and protect our fundamental array of remarkable freedoms set forth in the Bill of Rights.

We are grateful for those who encourage us to reach for our better angels in dealing with an increasingly diverse region, state, and nation.

We are grateful for all who help to care for, nurture, and instruct our children and grandchildren.

As Veterans’ Day reminds, we are fortunate to have so many men and women dedicated to the service and sacrifice of protecting our freedoms.

I extend best wishes to you and those around you to have an uplifting, comforting, and joyful Thanksgiving.

senatorlisabaker

Nov 21

Providing increased support for crime victims has been one of my top legislative priorities. I was proud to join Representative Aaron Kaufer, The PA District Attorneys Association, the PA Association for Justice, and other advocates, for the signing ceremony of Act 134 of 2022. This legislation, known as the Criminal History Records Information Act, allows criminal justice agencies to release investigative information for crime victims. I am pleased that this new bill will make it easier for crime victims to obtain relevant information learned by law enforcement during the investigation of the crime, in order for crime victims to use that information in subsequent civil legal actions to recover damages for their injuries.

senatorlisabaker

Nov 18

As part of the new Senate Republican Caucus leadership team for the 2023-24 legislative session, today, I was appointed by Interim Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward to serve as the Senate Majority Caucus Administrator.

I am honored to be appointed to serve as a member of the Senate Republican Leadership team for the 2023-24 session. Being the sole member from the northeastern portion of our state, I will have the chance to be an even stronger voice for the communities that I am privileged to represent. I am excited about this new opportunity to help determine the General Assembly’s agenda and engage in bipartisan work to accomplish results for the people of Pennsylvania.

senatorlisabaker

Nov 17

Twinning yesterday with our new Interim Senate President Pro Tempore. Good minds think alike! Congratulations to my friend @senatorkimlward!

senatorlisabaker

Nov 11

Veterans Day is not a 24-hour, once-and-done chance to honor veterans. The truth is we should acknowledge, salute, and thank veterans every day. Pennsylvania has 13 million people calling the commonwealth home and over one million are veterans.

I was honored to take part in The Wyoming Area School District 's Veterans Day Program, yesterday, and Northwest High School Veterans Day Program, today. Just as veterans are special in our eyes, young people are special in their eyes and represent the future they helped to ensure. Our veterans are a blessing for whom we are deeply grateful.

senatorlisabaker

Nov 7

Gray skies yesterday certainly didn’t dampen the enthusiasm or crowds for this years Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade. Great to spend time with Rep. Aaron Kaufer and County Council Members Leeann McDermott and Matt Mitchell. It is always a privilege to come together to honor the brave men & women who wear the uniform of service for our country. 🇺🇸

senatorlisabaker

Nov 5

I was pleased to take part in the @nopochamber Annual Legislative Update, along with Rep. Mike Peifer, Rep. Rosemary Brown and Rep. Jonathan Fritz. Thank you to the Chamber for putting this great event together, and to all our local leaders and members of the business community, for taking the time to attend.

The Chamber's recent Community Awards Banquet was also an outstanding evening, during which Mark Crouthamel of Sculpted Ice Works/Pocono Axe Works was named '2022 Business Person of the Year', and Gary Brown received the '2022 Community Achievement Award'. I was proud to present them each with a Senate Citation recognizing their dedication. Congratulations!

senatorlisabaker

Nov 4

Deployments present military families with a number of challenges, however, a loophole preventing spouses from collecting unemployment is no longer one of them. Act 156 of 2022 was legislation that I introduced, and was signed into law earlier this week by Governor Tom Wolf. The measure clarifies that a spouse’s move to follow their active duty husband or wife will not be considered voluntary if it is determined that continued employment would be impractical or unreasonably difficult. Previously, the resignation could have been considered voluntary, and they may not have qualified for benefits. Pennsylvania was one of only four states without a specific military spouse clause.
This needed change will help to ensure that Pennsylvania’s unemployment compensation law is fair to military spouses, who must relinquish their job to follow their spouse to a new duty station. While the cost is not high, this meaningful change is an important way in which we acknowledge the sacrifices of those who defend our freedom. I’m pleased that Pennsylvania now joins the vast majority of other states by enacting this sensible protection. Supporting the brave men and women in uniform who serve our country must also include addressing the issues that arise for their families. Learn more at www.senatorlisabaker.com

senatorlisabaker

Nov 1

I was pleased to join Wayne County Commissioners Brian Smith, Joe Adams, Jocelyn Cramer and Wayne County Children & Youth Services for the ribbon cutting & opening of 'The Hand House'. This historic home at 1100 Church Street in Honesdale, is now a dedicated place for helping children, families and foster youth. The space available at this new location will certainly help to provide a safe and comforting atmosphere for independent living and visitation services.

senatorlisabaker

Oct 30

🍂 Fall is here, and that means its hunting season in Pennsylvania. In my latest video clip, I'm sharing a few useful reminders to help keep everyone safe in the woods.
Did you know that Pennsylvania is home to⬇️
✴️ Nearly 1 Million Hunters
✴️ Nearly 2 Million Acres of State Game Lands
✴️ 26 Game Mammals
✴️ 51 Game Birds
✴️ Wildlife Habitats for 480 Species
✴️ 308 State Game Lands in 65 Counties
Good luck to all the hunters this season!

senatorlisabaker

Oct 26

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) recognizes ‘Guardians of Small Business’ each legislative session. The award is presented to Senators and Representatives who supported key small-business issues, during the two year period. I was pleased to once again receive this recognition, for my favorable voting record on behalf of the Commonwealth’s small-business owners.

Numerous small business owners have voiced frustrations over the past several years, as a result of imposed restrictions, economic challenges and inflation. Listening to their concerns and needs has been an important part of continuing to implement new legislation, policies and programs that help to reduce government overreach and strengthen our communities.

Thank you to the Pennsylvania Chapter of @nfibdotcom for their continued advocacy on behalf of small businesses across our commonwealth!

senatorlisabaker

Oct 24

Access to breast cancer screenings would be expanded with no out-of-pocket costs for people at high risk, as part of two measures advanced by the Pennsylvania Senate. Advancement of these bi-partisan bills represents a continued commitment to ensuring that women who often care for everyone else in their lives, have access to the care that they need and deserve.
🟣 Senate Bill 1225 requires MRI insurance coverage, with no out-of-pocket costs, for all individuals with high-risk factors such as a personal history of breast cancer, family history, dense breast tissue, a genetic predisposition or previous radiation therapy.
🟣 Senate Bill 1330 requires insurance coverage of all costs for genetic counseling and genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation if a person is diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer or has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
The two bills have been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

senatorlisabaker

Oct 23

I was pleased to participate in a tour and meeting at Deer Park Lumber, along with Secretary Briel from the Department of Community and Economic Development. For a growing economy, Pennsylvania needs to assist businesses of every shape and size. But in this part of the commonwealth, it does not get much better than a family-owned lumber and forestry operation. Its products come from renewable sources that never go out of demand. This is testament to forward-looking management and dedicated workers, looking to stay competitive.

Founded in 1982, Deer Park Lumber is a second-generation family-owned lumber manufacturing and forestry services company in Wyoming County. The company processes a variety of hardwoods including Red Oak, White Oak, Cherry, Ash, Hard and Soft Maple, Birch, and Walnut. In 2021, the company received a $3.1 million funding offer from the Governor’s Action Team (GAT) to expand their existing facility and install a state-of-the-art automated bin sorter along with an optimizing grading system to streamline its materials handling and operations process.

senatorlisabaker

Oct 21

The Senate Appropriations Committee has overwhelmingly approved a package of juvenile justice reform bills. I joined with my colleagues Senator Costa and Senator Santarsiero to introduce these measures as a result of the report released last year by the Juvenile Justice Task Force (JJTF). It is critical that we find the appropriate balance to implement fair reforms that institute greater respect, hold juveniles accountable for their actions, and encourage positive growth.
The four bills advanced by the Senate Appropriations Committee include:
•Senate Bill 1226 – Creates a standardized statewide expungement process.
•Senate Bill 1227 – Amends the Human Services Code to include both juvenile justice and child welfare funding goals.
•Senate Bill 1228 – Keeps youth in out-of-home placement no longer than the timeframe supported by research.
•Senate Bill 1229 – Amends the Human Services Code to provide funding for indigent juvenile defense services.
I am pleased that these bi-partisan reforms have been advanced by the Appropriations Committee, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for these, and other JJTF recommendations in the future.

senatorlisabaker

Oct 20

senatorlisabaker

Oct 18

Today is Disability Awareness Day at the State Capitol, and I was pleased to join my colleague @senator_tartaglione and the many organizations and individuals who are here in Harrisburg to advocate and help empower those who live with disabilities. This day takes place in October, as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. People living with disabilities often face tremendous challenges, but can benefit from legislative initiatives that offer supportive and inclusive policies and practices. Thank you to all those who took part in this important and informative day!

senatorlisabaker

Oct 12

Last week, I took part in the Pike County Association of Township Officials Annual Convention. I appreciated the chance to talk with local leaders about current legislative issues receiving focus in Harrisburg, and how priorities and needs across Pike County are being addressed. Transportation and infrastructure support, along with greater collaboration for public safety services, must certainly remain at the forefront of issues that we tackle moving forward.

senatorlisabaker

Oct 7

Far too many of our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends have been faced with the challenge of breast cancer. October is ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’, serving as a reminder of the importance of coming together to help combat this deadly disease, and hopefully someday prevent future generations of women from being impacted by breast cancer.

As a member of the Senate Baking and Insurance Committee, I recently had the opportunity to work with my colleagues to advance two pieces of legislation that would remove out-of-pocket costs associated with genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, as well as supplemental breast screenings for women with a high lifetime risk of breast cancer.

🟣 Senate Bill 1330, introduced by Majority Leader State Senator Kim Ward, requires health insurance policies to cover, without patient cost-sharing, genetic counseling and genetic testing for BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene mutations which are shown to increase a person’s chance of developing one of many hereditary cancers in his or her lifetime.

🟣 Senate Bill 1225, introduced by Pennsylvania State Senator Bob Mensch, requires health insurance policies to cover, without patient cost-sharing, an annual supplemental breast screening for women with a high lifetime risk of breast cancer. The legislation builds upon Act 52 of 2020 which had secured coverage for breast MRIs by eliminating patient copays, deductibles, and coinsurance for this preventive screening. This supplemental screening is necessary because of failed early detection by screening mammography among women with dense breasts and those at high lifetime risk of breast cancer.

Senate Bill 1330 and Senate Bill 1225 have advanced to the full Senate for consideration.

senatorlisabaker

Oct 5

Building a strong and robust workforce requires partnership, commitment and collaboration between business professionals, community partners and elected officials. I was pleased to attend the '2022 Future of Workforce Development Summit' at Luzerne County Community College. Not only did we engage in a meaningful dialogue and discussion of innovative approaches to helping industries address workforce attraction challenges, but we also heard from students and alumni of LCCC about their experiences and ideas. I appreciated Brian Tyluke, a recent alum of LCCC, taking the time to share his thoughts about the tremendous value of internships and of student mentoring.

senatorlisabaker

Oct 2

Gary and I were delighted to join our friends at the Business Association of the Greater Shickshinny Area for their annual mixer banquet. It is an honor to represent Shickshinny Borough and the surrounding communities that make up this region of Luzerne County. Together, we have been successful in supporting flood recovery efforts, in improving infrastructure through the Shickshinny Sewer Authority, and in working with the Shickshinny Area Historical Society to establish the FLT Museum.

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